Robert Pierpoint

Robert Pierpoint (May 16, 1925 – October 22, 2011) was an American broadcast journalist who worked for CBS.

He was born in Redondo Beach, California. Pierpoint served in the United States Navy during World War II. In 1948, he graduated from University of Redlands.^[1] Pierpoint covered the Korean War.^[2] He appeared on the first edition of See It Now in 1951. He also covered the State Department for CBS. He was often on Charles Kuralt's Sunday Morning broadcasts until his retirement.

He learnt many of his radio and television skills from Edward R. Murrow, and was known as one of Murrow's boys. He is also remembered for playing himself, on the radio, in the final episode of M*A*S*H.^[2]

Pierpoint served as White House correspondent for six presidents, from Eisenhower to Carter. His wrote about this in his book, At the White House (1981). He was known for his verbal sparring with President Richard Nixon.^[2] He died in Santa Barbara, California, in 2011.

One time, Pierpoint was playing tennis when he was called to go on the air. He gave his report wearing a suit coat, tie, and tennis shorts. The television image showed only his chest and above. But a photograph was taken that showed his legs. To recall this incident, Pierpoint's wife said that he will be buried wearing a suit coat and tennis shorts.^[2]

References

1. Dalton, Andrew (October 23, 2011). "Longtime CBS correspondent Robert Pierpoint dies". sacbee.com. Retrieved October 27, 2011.^{[permanent dead link]}
2. Langer, Emily (October 24, 2011). "CBS News correspondent covered 4 decades of U.S. history". Washington Post. p. B6.